"Chan Chan" never stops! Taiwan imports 1.8 million kilograms of ginseng annually

It is common for some elderly people to use ginseng as a daily food ingredient to maintain their health and regulate their qi. According to statistics from the Taiwan Customs Administration, Taiwan imported more than 1.8 million kilograms of ginseng in 2011, an increase of 28% year-on-year compared to 2010. The number of consumers who choose medicines or foods containing ginseng is also increasing, and even the group of people who use ginseng to nourish the body and replenish energy is becoming younger and younger.

Real American ginseng has a strong sweet and bitter taste, a sweet aftertaste after chewing, and a firm and dense texture. (Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Ginseng Farmers Association)

However, there are hundreds of types of ginseng on the market. How should consumers choose to ensure safety and health? Also, how should we eat correctly in accordance with the four seasons to achieve the tonic effect? It's all a science.

Dr. Chen Chaozong, honorary chairman of the Taipei Chinese Medicine Association, said that cooling tonics can be used in the summer, but one must carefully select suitable materials for cooling tonics to avoid a heat reaction caused by excessive tonics. Cool and nourishing Chinese medicines such as American ginseng, chrysanthemum, cassia seed, lotus seed, and white fungus are the most suitable, as they can clear away heat and relieve summer heat, and calm the mind and soothe the nerves.

Doctor Chen Chaozong said that it is possible to do cold tonic in the summer, but one must carefully select the materials suitable for cold tonic. (Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Ginseng Farmers Association)

Butch Weege, mayoral director of international marketing for the Wisconsin Ginseng Farmers Association, said consumers can taste the ginseng. Real American ginseng has a strong sweet and bitter taste, a sweet aftertaste after chewing, and a firm and dense texture. Moreover, it must pass safety inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the product must have a specially made anti-counterfeiting laser mark to prevent consumers from purchasing counterfeit ginseng.

Delegation from the Wisconsin Ginseng Farmers Association. (Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Ginseng Farmers Association)

Of course, to import into the Taiwan market, it is also necessary to obtain an import inspection certificate from the Taiwan Executive Yuan Department of Health so that consumers can purchase with assurance, especially when eating with peace of mind.